Jan. 6, 2005
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Purdue routed its dual-meet competition Thursday morning at the Florida Atlantic Duals, winning six individual events and the 400 medley relay. In addition to beating the host Owls, 155.5-74.5, the Boilermakers also throttled Air Force, 132-73, and Transylvania, 172.5-43.5.
With three additional dual victories under its belt, 17th-ranked Purdue bettered its record to 7-0. Purdue's last seven-win season was 2002-03, when it finished 7-5. The team record for most dual wins in a season is 12, which it recorded in 1997-98 (12-1) and 1975-74 (12-6).
The Boilermakers' six individual victories were recorded by six different student-athletes: Iggy Goh (50 freestyle), Trey Smith (100 free), David Hedge (1,000 free), Luke Dickson (200 backstroke), Mark Wolfred (200 breast) and John Mullen (200 butterfly).
Mullen was Purdue's only dual winner, taking first in the 200 fly in 1:53.69 and with the 400 medley relay (3:28.94). Joe Colley, Giordan Pogioli and Andre Pereira teamed with Mullen for the meet-closing triumph.
Purdue's dominance rested in their depth. Through nine individual races, Boilermaker swimmers claimed three of the top five finishers in five events, and two of the top five placers in four competitions.
In addition to its half-dozen victories, Purdue also collected six runner-up finishes and third-place points in four events.
"We were happy with some of today's performances, but I didn't think there was anything overly spectacular," said head coach Dan Ross. "We have three days left on our training trip, which has gone very well; the weather has also been cooperative. Right now we're looking forward to our upcoming dual meets against the Big Ten."
Purdue returns to action Friday, Jan. 14 for a 5 p.m. dual at Eastern Michigan. The team will then join the women's squad for a co-ed dual at Michigan State on Jan. 15. Purdue's Boilermaker Aquatic Center homecoming is slated for Friday, Jan. 28, when it plays host to Minnesota and Wisconsin.